Mind

Mind/Body Problem in Philosophy
Zaida Francheska Molina
Psy 310
January 11, 2010

Mind/Body Problem in Philosophy
This essay will discuss three main topics: the realm of the mind andconsciousness, the relation between mind, consciousness and physical body, and the independent physical functions of the body through the central nervous system. Acknowledging, the correctcharacterization of each term: Mind, Consciousness and Body are essential for a clear understanding. “The word ‘mind’ is used when one is talking of our Psychological capacities, especially those pertaining tothinking, the will and affections consequent on being a language-using animal. The word ‘body’ issued when talking of corporeal characteristics pertaining to appearance, physique, health, and sensation.”(Bennett, 2007, p. 955). Consciousness is a mental ability of perception by sensations, thoughts or emotions experienced that are the understanding of our environment and the internal world to others.Rene Descartes tried to describe the mind and body connection; and of course, it has been a dilemma for philosophers and psychologists to determine which one is responsible for out actions andour mental processes. The mind and body problem arises when Descartes cannot prove or explain how our mental states and processes are related to the physical states in our bodies. This problem is viewfrom three different angles: religion, philosophical and scientific. According to religious formulation, the mind-body problem is between the body and soul; a person cannot function with just one.According to the philosophical formulation, the body is subjected to the public and others and the mind is the absolute connection with reality. According to the scientific development, the brain is thecenter that performs the functions of receiving stimuli by the environment, process it and then implement appropriate responses. However, even if each perspective sees the problem from different...